Elapsed-time and zone metering



A. J. RAY

ELAPSED TIME AND ZONE METERING July 9, 1929.

4 Sheets-Sheet l Original Filed Jan. 22, 192-3 A. J. RAY

ELAPSED TIME AND ZONE METERING July 9, 1929 Original Filed Jan. 22, 1923 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 y 9, A. J. RAY 1,720,001

ELAPSED TIME AND ZONE METERING Original Filed Jan- 22, 1923 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 m L-A g rii a; 3 m i w r l- A. J. RAY

ELAPSED' TIME AND ZONE METERING July 9, 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet 4' Original Filed Jan. 22, 1925 EB M HF Patented July 9, 1929.

- UNITED tsT r'ss i 'n ris irgsi'forsicn,

' ARTHUR .nnAY, or miss,- rtmnor's; As'sIeNon, :BY mnsnn"irss'ien;ivrnnrs; TO AUTO- yrarze Ennc'rmc INC}, OECHICAGO, mentor ,rea ses men r DELAWARE.

. Original application filed ELAPSED-TIME AN?!) zone M'mmma They present invention relates to elapsed time and zone metering in gl18l&l,=l)llll1$ concerned more particularly; \Vltll' elapsed time and zone metering telephone systems in which calls are extended through the medium of auton'iatic switches; and the principal object, briefly stated, is the provision of ,new and improved circuit arrangements whereby completed call according to the actual-location of the office orexchange in which the -tical.

T liese objects, together witlrotlicrs which will not specifically be pointed out now, will be more fully listed hereinafter, reference being had to the accompanyingdrawings comprising Figs. 1 to i, inclusiyepwhich show by means of the usual circuit.diagraiinssuf- =fi'cicnt of the apparatus employed in a system embodying the principles of theinventionto enable one familiar with the art to understand order with corresponding lines in alignment," represent the invention when used in connection with meters located at the central ofi'ice.-

the same. i v

This is a. division of prior application, which issued as Patent N0..1,G33,6tS, June lhe dra wings,- F i gs. 1 and'2, when placed in Figures 3 and 4, when placed in order with corresponding lines in alignment, represent. the invention when used in connectlon with determined ntervals throughout the period wipers-have no normal position and move in a forward direction only. Means are 'providcd wherehythe meter M may be associated with the metering conductor of a selected and impulse sending instrumen-- January 22, 1923, Serial N0. 614,0,93. Divided-and this application filed April 9, 1926,5811211 No. 100,810. RenewediJu'ly ll, 1928-a t trunk." Theline switches O and C Fig. 2, which are denoted .by dotted rectangles, are

. assu mecl to be similar to the switch O.

-,The meterM, Figr hmay be considered as representing any of the well known devices whereby theclosureof a circuit through a magnet results in the operation of a recording; .means. The meters M and M Fig. 2, which a calling subscriber may be charged for a.

are denoted by dotted rectangles, are assumed to the similar to the meter M.- u The trunk relay D,.Fig. 1, comprises an electropolarized relay -having one winding which is in series withthe-negative side of the trunk. 1 1 Areversal ofthepolarity of the trunk conductors will result in the energizetion of this relay, which, when once encrgized, will ,remain .in, operated position by virtue of theysecondwinding, even though the first winding. becomes deenergized. The operation,of this relay serves to extend a E conductor.fro ngtheineterof the calling suhi pscri ber,totheumeter conductor of the as ,sociated -first selector;

1 l Ihe selector E, 1, is mechanically of ,thejvell known vertical and'rotary type in i which the bank contacts are arranged in horizontal. rowsorlevels. Means are provided wherebythemeter ngconductor may be ex .tendedto a metering wiper, which is indicated by reference numerals 49 shown at the Y rleghtv of Fig, ,1, wh ch figure also shows the first four contacts in tl second level of the iciated with-trunks leading to local second selector;s.-' such asthe selector E ,Fig.,2. On

.all such levels the tenbank contacts seizable by wiper 4-9 are multipled together and connected to an interrupter, such asis indicated byreference'character I. As will be more fully explainedghereinafter, the interrupter I mayserveto'energize the meter M at preof conversation. Certain levels in the banks of the selector E are associated with trunks leading to repeaters, such ;as the repeater K, Fig. 2. On all-suclrlevelsthe bank contacts seizable bywiper 49 are connected to the associated repeater in the same manner as are the corresponding contacts scizable by the other wipers of selector E. Q

1 The selector switches denoted by the dotted rectangles E and'E Fist. 2. are each assumed to be similar to selector E, with the exception Lil that they are not provided with a metering Wiper and the associated bank.

The automatic repeater B, Fig. 2, is an ordinary repeater of .the type commonly in use, and has associated with it the switch S, which may be considered as a simple ten-point step by step switch. The switch S is provided with an operating magnet, and with a set of Oh normal springs which are operated when the switch wipers areadvanced out of their normal position. The association between 'the repeater R and' the switch S is such that the first digit dialled through the repeater will cause the switch S to advance its wipers a corresponding number of steps. A further operation of the repeater will not effect the switch S. The metering conductor from the bank of selector E terminates in the wiper of switch S. Certain contacts in the bank to which this wiper has access are connected to interrupter-s of varying 'lri-rquency, such as the interrupters I and I As will be more fully explained hereinafter, the interrupter I or I may serve to energize the meter M at predetermined intervals throughout the peered to comprise a continuously driven cam arrangement'adapted to supply grounded impulses at the'desired frequency.

The connector switches denoted by the (lotted rectangles H and H, Fig. 2, are assumed to be connectors of the well known'vertical and rotary type having bank contacts arranged in horizontal rows or levels. From the foregoing,

provision has been made to operate a meter associated with the calling line at the central station at predetermined intervals durmg the time of conversation, the frequency of operation being determined by the actual location of the'ofiice or exc iange in which the called line terminates.

" reversal of the polarity of the line conductors Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, A and A are ordinary automatic substations having the usual talking, signaling, and impulse sending instrumentalities. Associated with each *substatiom'a'nd adjacentthereto, is a meter f denoted by the rectangles T and T, which may be considered as a device whereby the results in the operation of a recording means.

A device of this kind is illustrated in United States Letters Patent No. 912,268. issued to Charles M. Bea ttie, under date of February 'The line switches C and C are snmlar tov line switch'C, Fig. '1, with the exception that no metering conductor is provided.

The selectors E and E may be assumed to be similar to selector E Fig. 2.

The repeater R and the switch S are 'mechanically the same as repeater R and the switch S, Fig. 2,-the circuits having been it will be seen that modified however, in order-that a meter at the substation may be operated thereby.

The connector 1-]: is a vertical and rotary switch of the Strowger type, and' is similar to connectors II andH, except that the battery feed connections for the calling line are modified in order to provide for operating a meter at the substation.

The apparatus represented by'the rectangles P,P and P may be considered to be continuously operating devices by means of which the polarity of the two associated conductors is reversed at predetermined intervals. As will be more fully explained said conductors, under certain conditions, serve as a source of battery feed for the calling line and, in order that there'may be no interruption of the undulatoryvoice currents which may be traversing said line, the apparatus is arranged to gradually decrease the-potential and subsequently increase it gradually to the maximum voltage; A device of this kind is shown in United States LettersPatent No. 912,268, issued to Charles Beattie under date-of February9,190 9.

From the foregoing itwill beseen that provision has been made to operate a meter at the calling substation at predetermined intervals during the conversation, the frequency of operation being determinedbv the actual location of the office or exchange in which the called line terminates.

The system having been described ingeneral, a detailed description willnow be given of its operation. The operation of a-central crgiziug, closes at armature 14 a circuit forswitching relay15'and stepping m'agn'et 16 in series, and at armature 17 connects the test wiper 20 to a point-in the circuit between the switching relay 15 and the stepping magnet 16. From this point the operation depends upon whether the trunk line upon which the wipers of the line switch are standing is busy or idle. If it is busy, there is a ground potential on the test contact 23, switching relay 15 is short circuited, and the stepping magnet 16 which interrupts its own circuits is operated-in the -manner of a buzzer to advance the switch wipers step by step in search of an idle trunk line. In the present case, however, we shall assume that the trunk line upon which the wipers of the line switch are standing is idle. This being the case, switching relay 15 is not short circuited and o'tlice meter, as the result; ofthe establishment v (lucingtwo IQWEOEOM steppiugmagnetf16-is not energized on account ofthe high resistance of switching relay 1'5: Switching; relay 15, however, is energizedand a't armature'29'disconnects the test wiper 20 from the'point between; its own winding and that of stepping'magnetl6 and connects it to the grounded private normal conductor 30; Asa furtherresult of"the energization of switching relay; 15, it disconnects the line 'conductor s'lland 12 from the winding of line relay" 13 and ground; respectively, and extends them by wayof' arma turcs-31 and 32 and their working contacts, wipers 18 and 21*,liank contacts 9 and24, trunk conductors 25 and 28,the upper winding of relay-43 in parallel-with the non-inductive resistance 44, armatures 33 and 34 and their resting contacts tothe upper and lower windings otthe linerelay'35 of; the selector E. Line relay 35now energizes over the calling subscribers loop and -atits armature 36closes a circuitfor the slow acting release relay 37. Release relay 37 upon" energizing, opens "a point in the circuit of release magnet38, prepares a circuit for relay 39 at armatu're40, and at armature 41' places ground upon release trunk conductor-5'42, therebyestablishinga' holding circuit for" theline switch C.

By means-of this ground potential-omtest contact23 and its multiplesin'the'banks of the other line switches which have access to the selector-l the seized trunk line ismaintained busy in the usual manner." A branch of this holding circuit extends byway of privat e normalconductor to multipletest-contacts in the banks of connector switchesdiaving access'to the calling line, thereby guardingit against intrusion in the usual manner.

The lower winding'of trunkrelay- 43 is c0'n nected from battery to the grounded 'release trunk conductor 42. This relay does'not opcrate. at this time, however, because th'e'polarity ofthe trunk conductors 66' an'd'28is such that the two windings oppose each other; It

in ay be mentioned that a further result of the energization of the switching relay '15 was the extension-ofthe metering conductor by way of armature 45, wiper 19, bank-"cork tact 22 to conductor 26;

The calling subscriber now operates-his calling I device in accordance with the first digit 2 of the desirednumber; thereby'preinterruptions in the circuit of the line relay 85' ofthe first selector En 1 As soon as line relay deenergizes in response to the first of these interruptions,a ClICllll/IS closed which is traceable-from ground at armature 46. armature 36 and its resting-contact armature and its working contact-, winding of the series relay'39, winding of the vertical magnet 47 to battery. Verticali magnet 47, upon energizing,"raisesthe wipers 48 tom, inclusive, opposite the first-level of bankconfacts, whereupon tlie'off normalsprings 52 close and complete a circuit" traceable *from inresponse to 'the second interruption produced in it's circuit, the vertical magnetis again operated-to raise thewipers one step, bringingthem opposite the desired level of bank contacts; The relay 39, being slow act'- ing, will; remain energized while impulses are passingthroughit to the vertical n'iagnet. Shortly afterthe last-vertical impulse, relay 39 will deenergize and cl'osea circuit'through the rotary magnet. 54 at armature-57. Ro-

taryinagnet 54,-upon energizing, advances the wipers 48 to 51, inclusive, into engagement witl1,tl1elir st set of contacts in the second level, and at armature 58 opens the circuit ofstepping relay 53.- Stepping relay 53, upon 'deenergizing, opens another'point in its circuit, andat armature 55 opens the circuit of rotary magnet 54; Rotarymagnet '54,'upon d'eenergizing, again-closes the contact at air- '1natu're' 58. v V a y From this point the o'perationj depends upo'nwhether the trunk line terminating in the first set' of contacts is busy or idle, it it is busy, the stepping relay 53 energizes again over t-lie' following circuit: from ground by waypf the test contact with which test wiper 50 isinengagement, test wiper 50, armature {fil'andits resting contact, ofi normal springs 52,- armature 58 and its resting contact, winding' of relay 53 to battery. Stepping relay "test wiper 50 engagesgrouuded contacts; In

this case we will=assnme thatthe trunk line comprising conductors'lOS to 111; inclusive,

is the one first found to be idle. That being the case, when the wipers of the selector E arrive uponthe bank contacts 62 to 65, in-

clusive," there is no ground potential on "test contact 64 and; consequently, stepping relay-53 does not energize. With this condition existing, switching relay 59 energizes over the following circuits: from ground by way of release trunkcon ductor 42, swltchmg relay- 159, =01? normal springs 52, armature '58 and its resting contact, winding of relay-53 to battery. Stepping relay 53, however, does not energize over this circuit; on account of the relatively high resistance of switching relay-59$ Switching relay 59,- upon energizing,' removes ground from armature' 40 of release relay 37' at armature '46; disconnects test wiper 50 from the point between switch- Ill) ing relay 59 and stepping magnet 53 and connects itto ground by way of release trunk conductor l2w at tar-mature .61, thus making the seizedtrunk busy immediately; and at armatures 33.and 34 disconnects the line conductors 66 and28 from the windings of linerelay- 35 and extends them by way of theworkingcontacts of these armatures, wipers. 4.8 and.51, bank contacts .62 .and,65,.trunk conductors 10S and 111 to the line relay ofthe incoming. second selectorri E f, Fig. 2. SelectorE, thereupon places ground upon the release trunk conductor 110, thereby establishingtheusnal holding circuit for the selectorE and the line switch 0 before the slow acting release relay 37 otselector E has had time to deenergize. A further result of the. energization of. relay 59 isthe extension of metering.conductor 67 by way of armature 68,,wiper 19, bank contact 63, andconductor 109,.t0 interrupter I. W

. y The calling subscriber. dials now. the second digit-5 of the called number. Responsive to this action, the selector ll? raises its wipers to the fifth level and selects .an idle trunkline extending to a connector switch, .which we will assume is the connector H. .JVhen the calling-subscriber dials the third digit 3 oi. the called number, the connector ll will raise its .wipers to thethird level otthe bank contacts. .The calling subscriber now dials thehnal digit 6- ot the called number, as .a result oi? whichthe connector rotates itswlpers six steps to position them upon the terminals ol the line extending to the station .A. Upon the completion of the connection, a signaling circjuit is-estahlished in the connector in the usual manner, and the bell at the called station is operated to notify the subscriber that he is wanted.

XVhen the called party answers, the connector will cause av reversalot the polarity of the trunk conductors in the usual well known .manner. The trunk relay 13, Fig. 1, will now =operate,.as the polarity of thetrunk conductorsissuoh-that the current in its. t-wowinrh ings assist each others dWheironce energized,

the lower; winding of relay .43 will hold'said relay inoperated position irrespective of the deenergization of its upper windin Relay M will now be operated at predetermined-intcrvalsby theinterrupter-I until the connecftion is-r'eleased. The circuit over which the meter is operated is traceable from ground at the interrupter I, by way ,of bank contact 63, 1netering wiper 49, armature 68, conductor 67, armature 69, conductor 26, bank contact 22, metering wiper 19, armature 45,

winding OfmQtLi M to battery. The release .of the connection is controlled by thegcalling the result of the establishment of an. inter,

oflice connection will nowbe explained; For th s purpose it wlllbe: assumed that-the subscriberat substation A, Fig. 1, desires to call the subscriber at substation A Fig.2, whose number is assumed to be 1536. hen the calling subscriber removes his receiver, his-line extendedto .a first selector as previously explaiuethand it shall be assumed tl1at selector E is the one taken for use. 'lhe selector E nowresponds tothe dialling of the first figure 1 of the callednumber, and operates to raise its wipers tothe-first level ;to select an idle trunk line extending tola repeater, which-we will assume to be the repeater R,

F 2.; f witcl1ing relay 59 of the selector E,

upon operating disconnects the-line conductors 66 and 28 trom the windings ofline relay 35, andextends them. byway. ofthe working cont-acts of. armatures 33 and '34, wipers .48

aiul'ahbank contacts 70 and 73, trunk conductors 112 and 114, and-the normally closed contacts controlled byai-mat-ureslli' and-11S to the upper and lower windings ofthe line relay .119 ofthe repeater R. Line relay 119 now energizes overthe callingsubscribers loop and at armature 120 closes the circuit .01 release relay 121. Release relay 121, upon energizing, prepares a circuit for relay 122 at armature 123 and places ground on release trunk conductor 113 atarmature 124, thereby establishing the usual holding circuit for the selector E and the line switch C before the slow acting release relay 39 of selector'E has had time to deenergizei A further result of 'the-energization of relay 59 is the extension of metering'conductor 67 by way of armature -68,.wiper 49, bank contact 71, conductor to wiper 134 of switch S.

Referring to the repeater R, as a further resultot the energizationof release relay .1121, acircuit-issclosed through the lower .w-inding oftthe electro-polarized relay 125 at rmature 126. This winding alone, however, .consisting of a few turnsof high resistance is, not. able to effectively operate the relay. :ASJL still further resultof the energization cfjrelease relay 121, it'scompletes at armature128 a bridge across the trunk conductors 129 and 130 as follows: from conductor 129 by way of armature 128 and its working contact, ar mature 131 and its resting contact, upper winding ofelectro-polarized relay 125,

impedance 132, working contact and armature 133 to conductorlBO. In response to the closure of thisbridge, theline and release the repeater R to the. connector A raises its Wipers to-thezfifth level of bank conmemo;

relays of the second selectonE in-the distant office energize and prcpare the switchfor operation in the usual inanner; E lctropolarized relay 125, however, is-not energized at this time owing to theifact .thatthe, current flowing in either winding is in a direction opposite to that flowing in the other winding. The calling subscriber now. operates his calling device in accordance withithe, second figure 5 of the desired number, thereby producing a corresponding number ofrinterruptions in the circuit of 'line relay-119., Each time line a-elay 119 deenergizes, ,it opens .the circuit of the line relay of the incoming second selector E at armature 133, and at armature 120 closes a circuit traceable ,from ground at armature 120 and its resting con tact, armature 123 and its workingcontact, conductor 135, windingof relay 12-2 to battery. A branch of the above :traced circuit may be traced from groundedconductor 135 armature 136 and its resting :contaet,;.w,inding of the stepping magnet-137 of'theswitch S to battery. At armature 131relay 122 completes the bridge across trunk; conductors 129 and 150 over a more directpath excluding the upper winding of relay 125 and the impedance 182. This is the usual expedient made use of to obtain improved switch control. I y I The stepping magnet 1370f: the switclrS, in response to the five impulses of current sent through it bythe line relay 119, operates to advance the wiper 134;,into engagement with the fit'th contact in the associated bank, and the interrupterl is now connecte'dto the metering conductor 67, Fig. 1. The relay 122. being slow acting, maintains itsiarinature in operated position so long as impulses are passing through'it. Shortlyafter the completion of the first series of impulses, the relay 122 deenergizes and closes a-zcirouit traceable from ground at armature-138,,by way of oil' normal springs 139,-wvhicl1,are closed at the first step of the-magnet'137, winding of cutofl relay 1 10 toibatteryetThe cutoil' relay, upon energizing, fopens the-circuit of the-stepping :magnetll? at armature 136, in order to prevent further OPGIfltlOl'lrOf stepping magnet- 137-bythe-line :relayn119. 1 urthermore, relay 1 10, upon energizing, closes a locking circuit for itself at armature 111, thus rendering itindependent ofwthe further operation of relay 122; 2 The incoming second selector E ,hin-respouse to the five interruptions produced "in the circuit of its 1ine-relay,-raises itswip'ers to the fifth level of bank contacts and selects an idle trunk line leading to a connector, which we will assume to be theconnector :H'. When the calling subscriber dialsthe third figure 3 of the called number, a series ofthree impulses are producedwhich are repeated by I 1, rWhl'Ch winding "tic-polarized rate, as the polarity of the trunlr conductors .is

each other. 1 v ,iVhenonce energized,

operated position irrespective of ergizatlon oi its upper-winding Relay 43,

such ,time as the connection is released. ,circuit'over which-the meter is (operated traceable; from, ground at interrupter 1, -=wiper 13, 1 iii-fifth -posit-ion,- conductor ,115,

ductor i 1673,

conductors 129 and 130 iis b'roken ,alsou deenergizatiqa or; release relay, apeater R,- a circuit being..elosed.froni groom;

tacts. dYhen ,thecalling subscriber dials the final figure 6 of thecallednumber, a series of six impulses are producedwhich arerepeated by the repeater-R to the connector H, which .is operated in the usual manner to rotate'sits wipers into connection with the line extending to the substation A Upon the completiono'f theconnection tot-he called line, a signaling circuit is established in the connector in the usual manner and theibell at the .ealledistation is-operated to notify the subscriber-that he is wanted.

" Then the called party answers, the connectorwillcause aa'eversalofthe polarity of the trunk conductors 129Jand 130in the usual avell known manner. Returning to a con ,sideration oiithe repeater It, it may be said that the polarized relay 125 will now oper ate. as the polarity ofthe trunk conductors is such that the current in its two windings asisist each other When onceenergized, the lower winding. of relay 125 will hold said re- ,lay. in an operated position. irrespective of the direction of thecurrent flow in its upper areversal-of the polarity of the trunk conductors 112 and 114,1and as aresult, the elecrelay 13,Fig. 1, will now opersuch that'the current; in its two windings-assist the lower winding oi relay 43 will hold said relay in an the deenupon energizing, connects metering eonductorvflfi with metering conductor 67 by way oral-mature (39,-.atthe same time short circuiting its upper. winding, ductive resistance 44:, at armature 70.

and the non-in- The meter Mwill' now be operated atpredetermined .intervals by the interrupter I u irtil bank'contact 71,;wiper 4:9, armatureGS, conarmature. 69, bank cont-act 22, wiper 19; ar maturez45, winding ofimeter M to battery, Tll$ release'ofthe connection is controlled vby I the calling subscriber, who,

gwhenthe, conversation is'conipleted, will replace his ;receiver,-therebycausing the deenergizationcf the'iline and release relays 119 and F121 of the repeater the foregoing, the automatic switches in change i'sibroken, with the further-result that R. As airesult of holding circuit for the [the originating exthe control circuit extending 1 over the trunk It follows: that all oit the [automatic switches .in-

:v'o'lved in theconnection are restored. to norfoal according to. well known Practice. The itabout by the release of the switch S is broug .121 ohthe re .Relay .125, upon energizing, causes lUO at farma-ture126and'its resting contact, by way of armature 142 and its working con-. ere-t," winding of' release magnet 143 to battery; Relea'se magnet'1t3, upon energizing, causes the release of switch S, the-wiper 134 restoring to its normal position. The restoration of wiper 134 to its normal position causes fthe fl' normal springs 139 to be 'open'ed ,"a'ndas a result relay 1 10 will deenergize 'a'nd operi the'circuit of the release magnet '143at armature 1142, thus completing the releasing operation; 1

If the repeater Bis used only in extending callsto a'singledistant oilice, it follows that the first figure dialled on the repeater will alwaysbe'the same. Under tlxecondition stated above, it would not be advisable to combine a switch, such as the switch S, with the repeater,- for the same metering could be obtained by connecting the interrupter I to 'the 'bank" in the level associated with the group of repeaters of which repeater R- forms a part. It'is advisable to usethe switch S in connection-{with a repeater, such as the repeater lflbnly-when' the repeater is used to extend connections to two or more distant ofiic'es. Infurther explanation, .we may assume thatthe contactsin the sixth level of the incoming secondselector E Fig. 2, are associatedjwith 'the trunk lines leading by 'way of repeaters to incoming third selectors ina distantoltice. The first two digits in the callnumber of a telephone located in the last -mentioned otlice are necessarily 16.

connection of the interrupter I to the metering conductor 67, Fig. 1, and when the connection is completed'and the called party has answered, the polarized relay 43, Fig. 1, will operate in the usual manner'to connect the interrupter I with the meter M.

-The meter M will then be operated at predetermined intervals by the interrupter 1 until the'connection is released. The release of the connection is controlled by the calling subscriber in the usual manner.

The "operation of a substation meter, as the result of the establishment of an interofiice connection, will now'be explained. For

' this purpose it will be assumed that the subscriber at substation AiFig. 3, desires to call the subscriber at substation A Fig. 4:, whose number is assumed'to be 3236. When level and selects an idle trunk line extending to a repeater, which -we will assume to be the repeater R. The extension may be traced from trunk conductors 210 and'211, the upper and lower windings of line relay 212, ar 'iiatures 213 and 21 i and their resting contacts, resistances 215 and 216, to battery and ground, respectively The line relay 212 energizes over the calling subscribers loop and at armature 217 closes the circuit of release relay 218, which relay, upon-energizing, places ground upon release trunk conductor 219, thereby establishing the usual holding circuit for the selector E a-nd the line switch C f -The calling subscriber now operates his calling device in accordance with the second digit 2 of the called number, as a result of which the repeater R operates in a manner similar to that previously described in connection with repeater It, Fig. 2, to advance the wipers 220 and 221 of the switch S into engagement with the second contact 'in their respective banks; at the same time causing the incoming second selector E to raise its wipers opposite the second level of bank contacts. The selector E thereupon selects an-idle trunklinc extending to a'connector, which we will assume to be the connector H The extension may be traced from trunk conductor 322 and 323, the upper and lower windings of line relay 324,armatures 325 and 326 and their resting contacts, resistances 327 and 328, to battery and ground, respectively. -The line relay 324 now energizes over the trunk loop from repeater R and at armature 329 closes the circuit of release relay 330, which relayyupon energizing, places ground uponthe release trunk conductor 331, thereby establishing the usual holding circuit for the selector E.

The calling gsubscriber now operates his calling device in accordance with the third figure 3 of the called number, and a series of three impulses are produced 'WlllCll are repeated by the repeater R to the connector HE which raises its wipers to the third level of .bank contacts. When the calling subscriber dials the final figure 6 of the called number, a series of six impulses are produced which are repeated by the repeater R to the connector H", which is operated in the usual manner to rotate its wipersinto connection with the line extending to thesubstat-ion A".

Upon the completion of the connection to the called-line, a signaling circuit is-estab- 1 ,9261 oer lished in the connector in the usual manner, and the bell at the called substation is oper'; ated to" notify the subscriber 'that he is Wanted". i I

When the called party answers, he vvi'll draw talking'battery through'the' back britlgerelay 332, which,"upon energizing; closes a? circuit'for relay333 a'tarmature 34 1: Relay 333, upon energizing, forms a' lockiiig' eircdit; for itself from the grounded release-triink conductor 331 by wa of armature 334'." further result of the operation of relay 33'3 is the substitution-at armatures325' amt 326 of the pole changer P for 'the normal battery teed represented by the resistances- 327; and 328. The pole changer P now feeds current to the trunk conductors 322 and-323 by way'of armatures 325 and '326and the upper'and lower-windings of line relay 324, the polarity changing at predetermined intervals depe'nd out upon the structure of'the pole" changer.

Sometime subsequent to the operation "of relay the polarity'of the tri'uikiconduc tors will be such that the polarized relay of the repeater R. Fig. 2 Willbeeome "operated, and, it is to be remembered, when this winding is once operated; theloxver Winding is eltective' to hold thesaid'relayinartoper a tedposi tion irrespective of the 3 direction of the current flow in itsuppeiflviiiding';' Relay 235, upon operating, substitutes the "pole changer P for the resistances 215=and 216, at armatures 213 and 214. Thepole changer P now feeds current to the calling line by way of wipers 220 and 221 ar'matures '2l3 and 214', upper and lower \vinrlin'gwt line relay 212 and trunk conductors 210'ant1 2'11, the polarity changing at predeterii ined 'iiv tervals dependent upon the 's'triictuie ot' the pole changer. The meter T at thesubstation A will now operate in'resp onse to'th'e changes of polarity until such timeas connection is released. The releaseofthefconnect-iori is controlled by the calling subset-flier; who; when the conversation is completed, "Wililr'e place his receiver, thereby caitsihgthe deen'e'rgizat-ion of the line and release relays'212jand 218 of the repeater R As a resultof the foregoing, the holding circuit for theautoinittic switches in the originating eitchange'isbr'h ken, with the further result that the control extending over'the trunkconductors 236 kind 237 is broken also. It follows that all of t-he automatic switches involved in the connection are restored'to normal according to 'wlell known practice. The rcleaseof thes'witch S is brought about in a manner siinilarito that previously explained inconnection with switchS,Fig.2 n

It the called statioiris located in the same oilice asatlie calling, station, the connection will be built up without the use of a repeater, thefinal connection being, madeby a connector switch similar to connector Hflin case the meter at the calling station willbe operated direetly by' 'the pole changer: asso ciated withthe said connector; I previouslyexpiained in connection with repeater 'R; Fig. 2,- it'i's advisable to'a'ssociate a. s'Wittih' S with the 'repeater R' only when the i'zepeater is used-toextend aco'nnection to tweetm redismht o'fii'ce'sfi- Infurther explanfationg-we may assume that the contacts inthe'thirdlevel er the incoming second sele'ctofif E Fig. 4, are associated with trunk lines leacling by'ivay of repeaters to incoming third'selectorsin distant office. When callin'g'a'nunib'er located therein the dialling of tllhfshc oiid' digit- 3Will operate the 'line relay 212 ofthe repeater R three times; which results in the advancement of the wipers 220 aii'd221'i1lto engagement with the third contacts in their respective banks, and at the same tiine'ca'usesthe incoming second selector E toraise it'stviper's opposite the third level ofban1 eo1itaers-;=following which it selects anidletrunlhlineextending to a repeater, which trhnk litiemay be assumed to comprise theeeaduetorssas', 339', and 340. The advancemeneef the" Wipers 220an'd 221 has preeaten the "ci'r'c'iii't of "pole changer P, 'and, their the h'orliiection is completed and the canes partyintensive-ed,the polarized relay 235mmaperare iii the usual manner to m ieeepaleehaneer P" to the calling line. Thefirietei 'l hi ilhiiow be'opcrated at predet'e itiine'd intervals by the pole cha ne'er P until the tanner-hen is released therelease of the coniie etihii.heirigcontrolled'by thecalline; subscriber in? the usual manner. Tlieobjet'ahuseope of the invention having' been described, what is considered to be new a (l 'ivhatit is :d'e'sired to have protected hy Le ttershPittciiit will" be pointed out more specificallyiii",tli'e appended claims.

'Whdtisemiinedis:

a iiiiilti ojfficctelephone system, two exchanges, elapsed time'meters at the subscrihersstations connected to said exchanges, connecthr switches in' eaclrexehange for connetiting witlfcalledlines, periodic reversing 'r'riecli'zt i isrh' "associated with said connectors for reyersiiiilgitlreitallting'current supply to elt'rlliiig liiie s' to control the meters at the callin imates, repeaters in" each exch ange arto poopeta tewith the connectors in exelian' e to establish'iiiterexchange conde'ctions', an-5' periodic reversing mechanisihassoentee with'said'repeaters for reverging 't'h'e' talltiiiig' current sup ply to call i 11;; lines, nitrate niechfanismfassociated'with the 1-e" leiatiagara different rate from the i1 1 ehanisin associatedivith the connectors. "2? a '2i hiiilti ofiice' telephone 'system,' t'wo exehanges elapsedtime meters attlie'sub stations" -c tiiniccted to said exchanges, connector sw tches ine'ach exchan go for con- {Ii tin yt itli lied lines; periodic reversing lfnecha isrii ssdci'a-te'cli with said connectors or re lot) lit)

calling lines to control theimeters at the calling stations, repeaters in each exchange arranged to cooperate with the connectors in the other exchange to establish inter-exchange connections, and periodic reversing mechanism associated with-said repeaters for reversing the talkingcurrent supply to calling lines, the said mechanism associated with the repeaters operating at a different rate from the mechanism associated with the connectors and being normally disconnected from all the repeaters, and means in each repeater responsive to the first reversal received from a conhectorv for connecting the repeater reversing mechanism to control the meter at the calling station .3. In a multi-oflicetelephone system, three exchanges, elapsed time meters at the subscribers stations connected to said exchanges,

connector switches in each exchange for connecting withcalled lines, periodic reversing mechanism associated with said connectors for reversingthetalking current supply to calling lines to CQllillOlt-llG meters at the calling stations-repeaters in the first exchange arranged to cooperate with the connectors in the other exchanges I to establish inter-ere change connections, periodic reversing mechanismlassocia-te'd with said repeaters, there being a different mechanism for each of the other exchanges,veach operating at a different rate from the other, and an auxiliary switch for each repeater controlled in accordance with the exchange to which a con nection is extended to select the corresponding -mechanism in order to operate the meterat the calling station.

4. In a multi-ofiice telephone system, three exchanges, elapsed time meters at the subscribers stations connected to said exchanges, connector switches in each exchange for connecting with calledlines, periodic reversing mechanism associated with said connectors for reversing the talking current supply to calling lines to control the meters at the calling stations, repeaters in the first exchange arrangedto cooperate with the connectors in the other exchanges to establish inter-exchange connections, periodic reversing mechanism associated with said repeaters, there being a different mechanism for each of the other exchanges, each operating at a different rate vfrom the other, an auxiliary switch for each repeater controlled in accordance with the exchange to which a connection is extended to select the corresponding mechanism, and means responsive to the first reversal re ceived from the connector in use for connect-- .ing the selected mechanism to operate the meand a connector for extending local calls and interexchange calls, means associated with said repeater for periodically reversingthe current supply at said calling line to operate said meterduring an inter-exchange call in accordance with a certain rate corresponding to the location of the called exchange, and means associated: with said connector for peg, riodically reversing the current supply at said calling line to operate said meter during a local call in accordance with a different rate.

6. In a telephone system comprising a plu rality of exchanges, a calling line prOvided with a meter, switches including'a repeater and a connector for extending local calls and inter-exchange calls, a plurality of mechanisms associated with said repeater, each operable to periodically reverse the current sup ply at said calling line at a certain rate during an inter-exchange call to operate said meter to assess a charge corresponding to the location of the called exchange, and means associated with said connector for periodically reversing the current supply at said calling line to operate said meter during a local call iii-accordance with a different rate. c

7. In a telephone system comprising a plurality of exchanges, lines provided with meters, said lines having access to connectors for extending localcalls'and to repeaters for extending inter-exchange calls, a plurality of mechanisms associated with each ofsaid repeaters and in number corresponding to the number of. exchanges accessible to said repeater for periodically reversing the current supply at a calling line during an interexchange call to operate the meter thercat at a rate corresponding to the location of the called exchange, and a single mechanism associated with each of said connectors for pe riodically reversing the current supply at a calling line during a local call to operate said meter at a different rate. 4

8. In a telephone network comprising a plurality of exchanges, a calling line equipped with a lapse time meter, means. in cluding a subscriber controlled connector switch for completing a connection to a called line, means in said connector switch for pcriodically operating said meter providing the call has been initiated by a-line of the exchange in which the connectoris located and for simply initiating such operation if the calling line is of another exchange.

7 9. In a telephone systemcomprising a plurality of exchanges, a calling line provided with a substation meter, means for extending localandinterexchange callsbetween said line and called lines, means for supplying talking current to said calling line, and means for causing said talking current-to periodically become effective to actuate the said meter during'the entire period of talking connection remains established at'a rate dependent upon the location of the called line with respect to said calling line.

10. In a multi-office telephone system, two exchanges, elapsed time meters at the subscribers stations radiating from said exchanges, automatic switches in each exchange for connecting with called lines, mechanism associated with saidswitches for fluctuating the talking current supply to a calling substation to control its associated meter, means in each exchange arranged to cooperate with the automatic switches in the other exchange to establish inter-exchange connections, and mechanism associated with said means at each exchange for causing a fluctuation of the talking-current supply to the substations of the calliz'ig lines, the said mechanism associated with said means in each exchange operating at a different rate than the 1nechanism associated with said automatic switches.

11. In a telephone system including a plib rality of switching centers, calling and called lines radiating from such switching centers, means including a connector for establishing a connection between two lines of the same switching center and including a repeater in connections established between lines of different switching centers, a pole changing device associated with said connector operative to actuate a meter to charge for the connection it the same is between two lines of the same switching center and a plurality of pole changing devices associated with said repeater operable to actuate a meter to charge for connections between lines of difierent switching centers.

12. In a telephone system comprising a plurality of exchanges, a calling line provided with a meter, means for extending local and interexchange calls between said line and called lines, means for supplying talking current to said calling line, and means for causing said talking current to have its direction of flow over the calling line to be reversed to cause it to periodically become effective to actuate the said meter during the entire period the talking connection remains established at a rate dependent upon the location of the called line with respect to said calling line.

In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name this 22nd day of March, A. D. 1926.

ARTHUR J. RAY. 

